Server Version#: 1.14.1.5488
Player Version#: 1.1
I am using Plexamp on a Mac that I am using as a streamer. The SPDIF output is going to a DAC on my Cyrus 8xpd Amp that is capable of 24bit/192kHz and lower. I’m using an M2Tech HiFace Two as a converter from the USB on the Mac to a Coax SPDIF input on the amp.
I have files that are 16bit/44.1kHz, 24bit/96kHz and a few 24bit/192kHz. Some FLAC and some ALAC, all lossless. All show as playing “Direct Play” when played via this setup.
My amplifier will show what sample rate is ‘seen’ by its DAC. This appears to be whatever sample rate and bit depth I configure on the ‘Audio MIDI Setup’ on the Mac.
If I configure this to 24bit/192kHz, it still plays correctly when I play a 16bit/44.1kHz file or a 24bit/96kHz file (ALAC or FLAC). The DAC shows ‘192kHz’ for any file I play.
So what is happening here? Is there a sample rate conversion going on? If so where? By the software (Plexamp or the Plex server), the device driver layer in the Mac or in the HiFace Two?
Is a sample rate conversion compromising the quality?
I know for example that utilities like BitPerfect (http://bitperfectsound.com/) will dynamically change the sample rate setting in the MIDI setup to match each file that is played for the ‘best quality’, but only for iTunes. Is this required for the HiFace Two? Is there anyway to do this? I’d prefer to stay with the Plex setup.
Thanks for any help!
